Exercise and Depression

Can Exercise Really Help With Depression?

Yes!

Studies indicate that people who exercise regularly are less likely to get depressed than people who don’t. It has been shown that even a single 30-minute bout of exercise can improve a person’s mood.

Exercise does several things that can ease depression. It releases endorphins which are the body's own mood-elevating, pain-relieving compounds and also reduces levels of the stress-depression hormone cortisol in the bloodstream. It helps to balance blood sugar levels and relieve stress and it could even raise serotonin levels.

There is mounting evidence that obesity and depression are linked. People who are overweight are more likely to feel sad or depressed at least one week of the month. Obviously the social stigma attached to being overweight in our society can contribute to depression, but there is much more to it than that. Fat tissue can act as an endocrine gland which causes significant changes to hormone and blood sugar balance. And just to make things even worse depression can change the way people eat. Carbohydrates help to increase brain serotonin levels which makes the person feel better which causes some depressed people to self-medicate with food. In the end it only makes things worse. Regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy body weight and turn the nasty cycle around.

Exercise might not be the cure-all for depression but it is certainly worth a try. It can’t hurt.

How Can I Get Started?

Starting any sort of fitness program can seem overwhelming to those who struggle with depression. Start to pay attention to the messages you tell yourself. People are often not even conscious of their negative self-talk. How many times have you thought “I can’t do this.” or “I will always be depressed.” or similar messages? Try to catch yourself when you have these thoughts and turn them around. Tell yourself you CAN do it! It may seem silly and pointless at first but it will make a huge difference.

Starting a fitness program is not easy but the mental is at least half the battle. You can do this!